Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Climate Change Committee (CCC) has urged the government to prepare for consistent 40C summer temperatures due to escalating climate change impacts. The CCC warned that 92 per cent of UK homes are expected to overheat by 2050, alongside increased peak river flows and significant water supply shortfalls. Recommendations include investing in cooling mechanisms like air conditioning, heat pumps, and green shading for public services, and establishing a maximum workplace temperature. Without adaptation, the increasing risk of heatwaves could lead to up to 10,000 excess deaths annually by mid-century. The committee's proposals, which also cover resilient infrastructure and flood defences, are estimated to cost around £11 billion per year, split between public and private funding. In fullUK warned to prepare for 40C summers threatening British way of lifeThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

The government must act to redress the unequal impact of climate change, or risk rising temperatures making disparities worse

Landmark report calls for widespread air conditioning and says UK temperatures forecast to exceed 40C by 2050